The MV SOUNION, carrying 150.000 tonnes of crude oil, has been on fire since August 23rd, posing a significant navigational and environmental hazard.
operated by Delta Tankers, the vessel was attacked 77 nautical miles west of Hodeidah, Yemen, in the early morning hours of August 21. An EUNAFOR ASPIDES unit transiting the area reported that there are fires on at least 5 locations observed on the main deck of the vessel. It is estimated that these are located around the hatches of the vessel’s oil tanks. Additionally, part of the superstructure is on fire, too.
So far there are no obvious signs of an oil spill. The ship remains anchored at the same point in international waters. All vessels in the area must exercise extreme caution, as the MV SOUNION is both a navigational and an imminent environmental hazard.
Update on M/V SOUNION:
The MV SOUNION has been on fire since August 23rd.
An EUNAFOR ASPIDES 🇪🇺 unit transiting the area reported that there are fires on at least 5 locations observed on the main deck of the vessel. It is estimated that these are located around the hatches of… pic.twitter.com/ta0IuLhIoY
— EUNAVFOR ASPIDES (@EUNAVFORASPIDES) August 26, 2024
According to ASPIDES, this situation underlines that these kinds of attacks pose not only a threat against the freedom of navigation but also to the lives of seafarers, the environment, and subsequently the life of all citizens living in that region.
